The 1983 sixty over World Cup
The West Indies were favorites to lift the cup for the third time. The Indian team was a mere underdog. The expectation was low, making it to the semi finals was considered a dream. They had won only one match against the now defunct East African team in the previous editions.
India was placed with three other teams - Australia, Zimbabwe and the mighty West Indies. The league stage was conducted in double round robin format and it appeared as though West Indies and Australia would qualify for the knockout stages. But there was one way how India could - It was to beat Zimbabwe and stay alive in the contest.
The weather was cold and the ball was swinging well at the Tunbridge Wells. With a small ray of hope, India went out to bat. India was weakened to 9/4 in no time. Kapil Dev walked in and saw another one go down soon. Qualifying seemed a distant dream. But wait, the match was not just over. While the batsmen at the other end fell for low scores, Kapil Dev began counter attacking and smacked 175 off 138 balls which was the fastest century on date. BBC officials were on a strike that day and one of the best innings went unrecorded. India reached 266 for 8 at the end of sixty overs. He came back grabbing a wicket for 32 runs conceded and went on to win the man of the match.
The 2011 fifty over World Cup
It was a contrast to the 1983 World Cup and India were clear favorites. The entire nation was praying for victory. It was 28 years since they last lifted the prestigious trophy. They wanted an encore, especially for their favorite man - Sachin Tendulkar.
As Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag walked out to bat at Mirpur, the nation sat glued to the television. Sehwag opened his innings with a four off Shafiul Islam and what continued was pure entertainment. Sehwag hit 175 off 140 with 14 fours and 5 sixes before being bowled by Shakib Al Hasan. He and Virat Kohli built India's innings and India were 370 for 4 at the end of 50 overs. Bangladesh in turn were 283 for 9 with Munaf Patel being the pick of the bowlers. Sehwag went on to win the man of the match for his amazing knock.
The coincidence
India went on to win both the editions of World Cup.
175 Anyone?
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